The Evolution of Two Surfwear Brands

Introduction

Roxy and Quiksilver are two iconic brands in the world of surf and lifestyle apparel. While Roxy is the sister brand of Quiksilver, each has developed a unique identity and fascinating history.

Roxy was created in 1990 by the directors of Quiksilver with the idea of offering a line of surf clothing and accessories entirely for women. The name "Roxy" was chosen in honour of Roxane McKnight, the daughter of one of Quiksilver's founders, Bob McKnight. Roxy quickly gained popularity by providing apparel tailored to female surfers, a market that was underserved at the time. The first Roxy products were swimsuits and surf shorts designed for women, but the brand soon expanded its range to include snowboard, ski, and other action sports apparel. Maritxu Darrigrand, a former French surf champion, played a key role in establishing the brand in Europe and its international success.

Quiksilver was founded in 1969 by two surfers, Alan Green and John Law in Torquay, Australia. They soon realised there was a need for higher performance boardshorts that could withstand the conditions of the ocean and surf. So they created the first boardshort that was both functional and stylish, allowing surfers to move more freely and comfortably on the waves. This innovative product quickly gained popularity with surfers and laid the foundations for the brand's success. Over the years, Quiksilver has diversified its product range to include beachwear, surf equipment and accessories. The brand has become an icon of surf culture, representing an adventurous and free lifestyle. Quiksilver is also known for its hard-hitting advertising campaigns and collaborations with world-renowned athletes such as Kelly Slater, one of the greatest surfers of all time. He took part in the second edition of the Quiksilver Festival this year.

Both brands have collaborated with celebrities for their advertising campaigns :

_ Roxy : Figures like Lisa Andersen, a surf champion, have been featured.

_ Quiksilver : Legends like Kelly Slater have participated in campaigns, boosting the brand's recognition.

Quiksilver's Logo : The Quiksilver logo is one of the most recognizable in the surf industry. It features a stylized wave and mountain, symbolizing the brand's connection to both surfing and snowboarding. The logo was inspired by the famous Japanese woodblock print "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Hokusai, reflecting the brand's adventurous and dynamic spirit.

Roxy's Logo : The Roxy logo is a heart-shaped crest that incorporates the Quiksilver logo mirrored to form the heart. This design symbolizes the brand's connection to Quiksilver while also representing its unique identity as a women's surf brand.

Roxy and Quiksilver each have their own unique history and identity, but they share a common heritage in the world of surf and lifestyle. These brands have evolved and adapted to the needs of their customers while staying true to their roots. Whether you're a fan of surfing, snowboarding, or skiing, Roxy and Quiksilver offer quality products and a unique culture that inspire action sports enthusiasts.